Lawson sat out three games with the heel injury and returned against the Spurs but could not play at full strength, saying the pain was so great that he “could not move.”

A plantar fascia tear is the same injury that kept the Lakers’ Pau Gasol out for six weeks. He came back to the lineup and has played four games thus far, with his minutes and production increasing each night.

For Lawson, whose speed is one of his best assets, the injury could be more damning. He has averaged 17.3 points and 7.1 assists per game when healthy.

His injury could adversely affect the Nuggets’ playoff positioning as well. Denver, sitting at fourth in the West, is separated by fewer than a game from the No. 3 Clippers (1/2 game) and No. 5 Grizzlies (one game).